FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Listen to the words of the apostle John: ‘We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3: 2). Paul, also an apostle, says that 'when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory' (Col. 3: 4).

This means that every true believer in Christ will be like him in character and have a body like his glorious body. This body will no longer be subject to pain and death, but will be free from every restriction. We shall then worship God as we ought and we shall live in a new world, the home of righteousness (2 Pet. 3: 13).

Now since seeing the Lord in all his glory transforms us instantly into his likeness, growing into his likeness here in this world is based on the same principle. The difference is that the transformation is now gradual because we see him by faith, as through an imperfect mirror. Nevertheless, the revelation of Christ in the Scriptures must be kept constantly in view if we are to make progress in the Christian life. That revelation should grow brighter by the day.

As Paul explains, being saved and being holy cannot be separated. Again, as the apostle puts it, we are 'saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth' (2 Thess. 2: 13). In other words, we cannot be saved without being holy, and we cannot be holy without being saved. 'Without holiness, no one will see the Lord' (Heb. 12: 14).

My book, 'Fix Your Eyes on Jesus', looks at the glory of Christ, who is the radiance of God’s glory (Heb. 1: 3). My hope is that it will stimulate believers to focus more on the Christ of the Scriptures so that they will have a greater determination to imitate him. This will ensure that their hope of glory grows gradually brighter. It will also ensure that their service for the Master will become more meaningful. Their commitment to worship and fellowship will also be greater, and so will their joy.

So, if you are already a believer, make sure you spend time each day reading the Scriptures. They alone reveal the glory of Christ, and it is through their pages that you will come to know him better. If, on the other hand, you are not a believer, confess your sins to God and plead with him to have mercy on you and to show you that Christ is the only one who can deal with your problem.